After being let go by the Philadelphia Sixers, Royce White’s future in the League didn’t seem all that promising. According to the 22-year old, however, he thinks that he can back in the NBA (and says he’s willing to fly from city to city.) Per USA Today: “I’m optimistic it will happen,’ the former Iowa State star said. ‘We’re in contact with some teams. “Quite a few more than expected. People are more understanding than you think. It’s not an insensitive crowd. There are teams involved. It’s finding a situation that’s appropriate.’ White has a well-documented anxiety disorder that has prevented him from playing. He was cut by the Philadelphia 76ers in October. ‘Basketball is in a flux for me at this point, but it’s something that happens to a lot of guys in their early careers,’ said White, 22. ‘For me, it’s can we find a team that has the right setup, has an open mind, wants to understand what I’m saying, and other things that we’ve discovered since I’ve been in the league.’ White’s anxiety disorder includes an occasional fear of flying, although he flew to the 76ers’ preseason games. ‘That’s been overblown, but that is the world that is the media,’ he said. ‘I flew the preseason without medication, partly to show that I was willing to travel and to see if I could do it.’”

All told, Royce White seemed to take the news in stride when it was reported that he was among those waived by the Sixers. Per the Delaware County Daily County Times: “Khalif Wyatt sat in the 76ers’ locker room Wednesday, before their preseason finale, and said he was still living in Norristown, his hometown, with his mother. He had expressed a desire to wait until he earned a roster spot with the Sixers before he bought his own place. Then Thursday’s news trickled down. The 76ers released Wyatt and fellow guard Vander Blue and forwards Royce White and Mac Koshwal Thursday night, according to a league source. The team has until Monday at 5 p.m. to make at least one more cut, to be in compliance with league guidelines, prior to Wednesday’s season opener. Three of the Sixers’ cuts are somewhat surprising, as Wyatt and Blue were believed to be competing for the same job, and White, who has had a brief yet tumultuous run in the NBA, appeared to have found a home. Sixers coach Brett Brown hinted that the first round of cuts would come Thursday.”

Philadelphia Sixers forward Royce White did not a board a plane bound for Bilbao, Spain on Thursday. On the advice of the team doctor, the Sixers let White skip the trip across the pond. Per the Philly Inquirer: “New 76er Royce White tried last week to dispel any speculation that air travel would hinder him from playing for the team this season. However, the 6-foot-8 forward, who has an anxiety disorder, wasn’t among the 14 players who flew here Thursday. The Sixers will face Bilbao Basket on Sunday before facing Oklahoma City in Manchester, England on Tuesday. ‘It really was just based on our team doctor giving me and (GM Sam Hinkie) and the club advice that it may be best for him to remain at home,’ Sixers coach Brett Brown said of White’s absence. ‘You know we are with him. We will support and help him.’ It was widely believed that White’s perceived fear of flying contributed to his failure to play in the NBA last season.”

Sixers forward Royce White responded to media reports that he was under police investigation for an alleged domestic violence incident. White and his lawyers say his name will be cleared soon enough. Per the Houston Chronicle: “On Thursday, White released a statement through his lawyer: ‘Royce has seen today’s media reports that law enforcement in Texas is investigating claims of domestic violence by a terminated and disgruntled former employee of his charitable organization. Royce vehemently denies the allegations and is looking forward to a speedy and just resolution of these unfortunate and unfair claims. It is all too easy to make allegations, especially when directed at a person who is in the public eye. Royce hopes that the media will be equally attentive when these allegations ultimately are rejected.’ [...] No charges have been filed against White. White was the 16th overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft for the Rockets. He was traded in July to Philadelphia.”

Philadelphia Sixers second-year forward Royce White is said to be under investigation due to a domestic violence report by an ex-girlfriend. Per TMZ: “White’s ex-girlfriend Tania Mehra — a Maxim model — filed a police report on August 30 to report an incident that went down at Royce’s Houston-area home back in June. According to law enforcement, records show someone called 911 on June 22, 2013 to report a laceration above Tania’s right eye. Cops say at the time, Tania claimed she suffered the injury from an ‘accidental fall.’ But Tania changed her tune last week and filed an incident report in which she claims she lied on the night of the incident — and says in reality, Royce is to blame for her injury. Cops say, ‘The victim said she had lied earlier because the suspect played for the NBA and did not want the incident to damage his career.’ Law enforcement also tells us, ‘The victim stated that White had assaulted her after she became angered by his advances toward her friend.’ Cops say the incident is ‘under investigation’ — and so far, no charges have been filed against the 22-year-old NBA player. “

The Rockets traded second-year forward Royce White to the Philadelphia Sixers back in July, but White will continue to make his mark in Houston. He’s behind the opening of a mental health center in H-Town. Per the Houston Chronicle: “On Wednesday morning, White announced a partnership with his non-profit organization Anxious Mind’s Inc. and Bee Busy Wellness Center to create the Royce White Institute of Mental Health on the city’s southwest side. The Wellness Center, which is a 17,000-square foot facility that will also have dental and primary care, is located at 6640 W. Bellfort and will open in January 2014. ‘When I met Royce White a couple of years ago, I knew we would do something special like this,’ Bee Busy CEO Normal Mitchell said. ‘I think it will be a great thing for this community.’ White, who has been open about his own struggles with an anxiety disorder, said that he thinks every city should have a center where free mental healthcare is offered. He started the Anxious Mind’s Inc. group while in college at Iowa State, and this is the organization’s first partnership. He said he hopes to see it grow. White was drafted by the Rockets 16th overall in the 2012 draft. He never played for the team. He stopped attending practices after Nov. 10 because of a dispute over agreements he wanted in place related to his anxiety disorder and his assignments to the NBA Development League. With the developmental league team, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, White averaged 11.4 points and 5.7 rebounds in 16 games.”

He may be on headed to a different city now, but the Royce White’s problems remain the same — the man refuses to take flights, due to his anxiety disorder. White says he doesn’t know what, if anything, the Sixers can do about this predicament. Per the Des Moines Register: “Royce White is ready to play in the NBA – probably for the Philadelphia 76ers, once the trade from Houston becomes official. But making 100 plane flights during a season? ‘Hell no,’ the former Iowa State basketball star said after playing for the Walnut Creek YMCA Wednesday night in the YMCA Capital City League at Valley Southwoods Freshman High School. ‘One hundred flights would be like if you’re allergic to peanut butter – it’d be like spreading your whole body with it.’ He doesn’t know how the 76ers will deal with his well-publicized anxiety disorder, but his mental health awareness crusade will continue. He wants to play basketball – but only if it’s within the confines of what his anxiety attacks will allow. Will he play? Stay tuned. ‘Anything can happen between now and (the season),’ White said. ‘It’s every intention of mine to play. I don’t know what Philly’s intentions are. I’m just going to go there, work hard and try to earn my place.’ White played only 15 games last season for the NBA Developmental League Rio Grande Vipers after being a first-round draft choice in 2012. He didn’t play for the Rockets, as neither side could agree how the team — and the NBA — would deal with the anxiety attacks that started when he was a teenager. ‘If the trade goes through, I’m excited,’ White said after a 32-point, seven-rebound, seven-assist night during a 121-114 loss against a team sponsored by Coca-Cola. ‘It’s a blessing to play on any NBA team. I just hope I can continue to work with the NBA and the players’ union and whatever team I’m on to help create more mental health awareness. It’s a tough dynamic to deal with. It’s complex, but I’m glad everyone is talking about it.’”

To make room for Dwight Howard’s contract, and to get rid of an ongoing nightmare, the Houston Rockets will ship Royce White to Philly. The Sixers will give up future draft considerations. Per Yahoo! Sports: “The moves clears White’s $1.7 million contract for next season, giving the Rockets further flexibility to deliver a maximum contract offer to free-agent star Dwight Howard. Along with White, who clashed with the organization and never played a minute in the regular season, the Rockets will send the draft rights to an international prospect and cash. White, the 16th overall pick in the 2012 draft, has an anxiety disorder that has limited his ability to participate in the NBA. He spent most of the season suspended or playing with Houston’s D-League affiliate.”

For Kevin Durant, it’s been a tad difficult keeping track of Houston Rockets players’ names throughout the first round Playoff series. As for people who haven’t played at all this season — let alone taken the floor during the postseason — KD has no time for them and their petty online trash talking. Sorry, Royce White. Per the Oklahoman: “Following his team’s shoot-around Friday morning in Houston, Durant responded. ‘Who is that?’ Durant asked when asked his reaction to White’s comments. Durant claimed he wasn’t aware of the comment and then asked again ‘Who is that?’ … ‘I haven’t seen him on the bench,’ Durant said. ‘I haven’t seen him on the bench. So, I mean, I’m not worried about guys that’s not even in our series. Ain’t that the guy that’s afraid to fly? Well I wish him the best, man, and if I see him next year I’ll let him know who we are.’ [...] ‘I don’t get fired up off stuff,’ Durant said. ‘I get fired up just by playing this game and enjoying the game. But like I said, I wish him the best. I wish he could have played. I wish he could have really felt this intensity in a playoff game. But I guess watching on TV is better.’”

Unable to deliver his thoughts on the court while playing for the Houston Rockets, Royce White resorted to Twitter trash talk last night. White tweeted to Durant that his team looked shaky after the Rockets took Game 5 107-100: “And… that’s why you play the games. That @okcthunder team just looked shook. ‘They’re looking shaky baby.’ #RedNation”

The latest twist in the interminable Royce White saga, is that the rookie forward will re-join the Rio Grande Vipers less than a week after saying he was done playing until next season (White says a “miscommunication” with the Rockets has been cleared up.) Per the Houston Chronicle: “White played just 12 games for the Vipers when he announced via Twitter that he was returning to Houston, citing the advice of a ‘team doctor.’ He had not consulted the team, however, a person with knowledge of his decision said. White later said he was working to prepare for next season. The Vipers played three games without White, including road games in Pennsylvania and Indiana. Rockets officials have declined to comment about White leaving the Vipers or the decision to return. In 12 games with the Vipers, White averaged 9.6 points and 5.6 rebounds, making 41.6 percent of his shots and 62 percent of his free throws. White has not played in a game for the Rockets this season and has not attended a game or practice since Nov. 11. The first two seasons of his contract are guaranteed for $3.36 million.”

Royce White’s very brief stint in the NBA Development League appears to have come to an end. The rookie’s NBA career, meanwhile, remains very much up in the air. Per the Houston Chronicle: “White announced via Twitter that he was leaving the Rio Grande Valley Vipers to be in Houston for the remainder of the season at the advice of the team physician. He did not offer any explanation, but later said he was returning to Houston, not the Rockets. Rockets officials, however, would not comment, potentially indicating that they were not a part of the decision. Even less clear is whether the agreement that White considered necessary to report to the D-League in February will protect him should the Rockets wish to suspend him again. White had been initially assigned to the D-League on Dec. 29 and was suspended Jan. 6 for failing to provide services required by his NBA contract when he refused to report to the Vipers. After reaching an agreement on issues related to the treatment of his anxiety disorder, White was reinstated Jan. 26 and given time to train before reporting Feb. 11. In 12 games with the Vipers, White averaged 9.6 points and 5.6 rebounds, making 41.6 percent of his shots and 62 percent of his free throws.”

Despite his reinstatement by the Houston Rockets, rookie Royce White has yet to see any game action this season. He seems to believe the NBA, his employer and many others don’t want him in the League because he’s bad for business. Per Huffington Post (via SI): “I went through the bumps and bruises of having to advocate for myself against a billion-dollar corporation. Other than that, I think I’ve actually been successful, if you look at the rate of success, or what could have went wrong. I could have easily been out of the league or blackballed or things like that. But that hasn’t happened yet … I’m a problem because I’m not afraid to say what I think and I’m not afraid to stand alone. Even amongst the NBA community, the players, the union, the NBA office, and [commissioner] David Stern and [deputy commissioner] Adam Silver. I’m not afraid to stand alone in my own circle, and say, hey listen, you guys aren’t respecting mental health … If I was to make an educated guess, I would guess that Adam Silver and David Stern and the Rockets organization, some other owners in the league, GMs, want me gone. And why do they want me gone? Because business is about convenience, it’s not about doing what’s necessary, right? It’s about cutting overhead… Being efficient. And a lot of times, what’s best for us as human beings doesn’t meet that criteria for business people.’”

It’s been a long and arduous process, but it appears that Royce White is close to beginning his professional career. According to Houston Chronicle, White is expected to report to the Rockets’ D-League affiliate in Rio Grande on Monday: “Rockets rookie Royce White moved a step closer to reporting Monday to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA Development League by passing a physical Friday, athletic trainer Keith Jones said. White and the Rockets reached an agreement that allowed him to work out for several weeks before reporting in time for games Tuesday and Wednesday.”

Looks like things have taken a turn for the positive in the Royce White saga, as the Rockets have reportedly reinstated the rookie forward after the two came to an agreement regarding some unknown (for now) specifics. Via NBA.com: “The Houston Rockets and Royce White have today reached an agreement that addresses the major issues that they have been discussing, provides a new start, and gives Royce the best opportunity for long term success as a Houston Rocket. This has been a learning process for both parties. The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association have approved the settlement. Royce is no longer suspended and is re-instated effective immediately. He will report to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on February 11, 2013.”

The latest twist in the seemingly never-ending Royce White saga is that the rookie forward is set to join the Houston Rockets once again, this time with a fresh set of agreements between player and team. Reports the Houston Chronicle: “In a call in to a morning show on 97.9 The Box, White said he plans to report to the D-League on Feb. 11, pending ‘paper work’ on a plan with the team. According to a person with knowledge of the plan, the Rockets are close to making an announcement in which White would return to the team under a written agreement that includes key elements of the protocols that White wanted to have as an addendum to his contract. Under the agreement, writing with input from the NBA and the NBPA, White would resume workouts to prepare for the D-League assignment. He had been working out for several days this month with basketball staff intern Derrick Alston but was suspended Jan. 6, one week after he said he would refuse his assignment to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said White was suspended ‘for refusing to provide services as required by his Uniform Player Contract.’ Morey would not comment on any plan with the team. When told of White’s comments on Wednesday, Morey said, ‘We’re in constant communication with Royce and hope to get him back in the fold soon.’ White seemed optimistic that the agreement would be in place shortly.”

And the Royce White Saga continues. ESPN reports the Rockets have suspended the 6-8 rookie for “refusing to provide services” required by the contract he signed when he joined the team: “The Houston Rockets have suspended first-round pick Royce White for ‘refusing to provide services’ required by his contract. General manager Daryl Morey said Sunday that the team will continue to work with White in hopes of finding a resolution. Last week, White refused his assignment to Houston’s D-League affiliate. The 16th overall pick in the June draft has spent most of the season on Houston’s inactive list while he and the team figure out how to handle his anxiety disorder and overall mental health.”

The Royce White Saga continues in Houston, where the rookie forward now says that it’s quite likely he will never suit up for the Rockets (or any other NBA team, for that matter.) Per the Houston Chronicle (via Sirius/XM Radio): “With no end to his impasse with the Rockets in sight, rookie Royce White said it is very likely that he never plays in the NBA, citing a lack of league-wide protocol for dealing with mental health issues including his anxiety disorder. ‘I think that the chances are very high,’ White said. ‘And I say that just like I said before the draft that the chances were very high that I didn’t even get drafted. Because business in America, as we all know, is about one thing and that’s convenience and efficiency. And oftentimes what the efficient thing to do is not the healthiest thing to do, right? That’s why we still sell cigarettes. It wouldn’t shock me if we couldn’t be logical and say a protocol is needed because it’ll be the hard thing to do. If that’s the case then so be it. I stand on what I say and I refuse to put myself in a hazardous situation to play a sport.’ White had previously charged the Rockets with giving inconsistent support and failing to adhere to doctors’ recommendations for his return to the team. But when asked about playing for another team, White said leaving the Rockets would not provide a solution. ‘I don’t see that going to another team would help anything because no matter what team I go to a protocol is still going to need to be put in place,’ White said. ‘It’s a league thing. The reality is that it is not Houston’s fault. As much as we always want to try and blame one side or the other and try and find the black and white in it, it’s not black and white. It’s gray. And they’ve been thrown into a position now where they’re forced to make things up as they go because a protocol has not been put in place for mental health up until this point. And that’s tough for anybody to do. If there were no safety or health codes on how to construct a building, the people who are going to try to build a building tomorrow are going to be in trouble. That’s just the reality here so I don’t really think going to another team is something that would be better. And it’s not something that I want to do. I want to play for Houston.’ White has been away from the team since Nov. 12. He worked out with basketball staff intern Derrick Alston last week, sessions that were considered a step toward returning to the team, a person with knowledge of the plan said. The next step was to be a stint with the Rockets NBA Development League affiliate, according to the person familiar with the plan. The Rockets assigned White to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on Saturday. He released a statement the next day saying he would not report to the D-League team.”

A few days ago, the Houston Rockets assigned rookie forward Royce White to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, hoping they could start him in the D-League after the 6-8 White missed the first couple months of the season while disagreeing with the organization over how to properly handle his anxiety disorder. Making an already-messy situation even messier, White has released a statement saying he will not be joining the Valley Vipers. Courtesy of NBA.com, the full statement is below:

We say there is such an unknown element to mental health in this country, due to the number of people who are not diagnosed. This element also makes it a tough demographic to support.

I agree.

However, it saddens and frightens me to know that in this situation all the decision makers involved have been informed of all the medical dynamics, and yet still refuse to adhere to medical sensibility. In hindsight of the recent tragedies in this country, that had mental illness variables, you would think it would encourage people to act more proactively in that arena. You would think that decision makers who are not well informed about mental health, would take the consultation and recommendation of those who are. You would think we would start to do everything possible to not let the tragic consequences befall us first, before we ask the logical question, “why?”, “who knew?” “how could we have helped?. Why not take a proactive approach of “who knows?” “how can we listen?”, “how can we support now?”

I do wish to play, but I only intend to do so with the collaboration and recommendation of trained professionals. The purpose of a doctor’s confirmation is to ensure that health decisions are made in the sole interest of health and not conflicted with business. My only hope is that decision makers involved realize that doctors are the only logical source to decide action.

There is an admitted lack of knowledge on behalf of the Rockets and the NBA, it becomes transparent as they choose to forego the knowledge of trained professionals and make independent decisions for something as complex as mental health without consulting any doctors. The Rockets have told me in recent conversations that it is their right to decline even their own doctors’ recommendations. The concept of not listening to medical consultants in medical situations is alarming. It is also alarming that a player is susceptible to fines for simply adhering to the recommendation of doctors.

It is true that accommodating mental health can be very tough and complex, however, sometimes the only reasonable solution to doing what is right is doing what is tough. To portray that the Rockets have been supportive to me is fundamentally incorrect.

The information that the Houston Rockets have publicly presented about this situation has been extremely misleading and a lot of times totally inaccurate. An image of support has been presented by the Rockets, but the only logical support here would be listening to the recommendation of the medical professionals involved. That has not totally happened here. I have chosen to not play, because the doctors and I believe it to be unsafe for unqualified Rockets front office personnel to make medical decisions, as they are not mental health professionals.

Rockets rookie Royce White has been honest about his struggle with an anxiety disorder. But due to White’s continued, unexcused absences from the team, the organization appears to be losing its will to deal with White. Frustrated with a lack of minutes, White now says he’s considering walking away from the League entirely, stating that his health comes before “the art of the business.” From ESPN.com: “Speaking in an interview with ESPN’s Colleen Dominguez, White said he was going to meet with general manager Daryl Morey on Monday to discuss his situation with the team. ‘I’d rather tell them on the front end and be honest and transparent and never play again for that than allow me to become one of the stories because I wasn’t able to communicate,’ White said. White has remained absent from the team in a dispute over how the Rockets are helping him confront his anxiety disorder. ‘We all look at the stories that happen later and go, ‘Man, you just wish this guy was able to communicate his problems,” White said. ‘Or you wish somebody would just’ve talked to him and wished that the communication would’ve been there. Well now the communication’s there and there’s still a problem, right? That means the problem isn’t us. The problem is the art of the business, right? At no point will I compromise my health in the interest of business.’ Asked if he was sure he would give up his NBA career in the interest of openness and honesty, White replied, ‘If that’s what it means.’”

The Royce White situation in Houston is a dicey one. In addition to the rookie’s anxiety disorder, there’s chatter now that White is frustrated about his complete lack of playing time. Reports the Houston Chronicle: “With White blaming the Rockets for failing to consistently support his treatment for anxiety issues, White is being fined every day he remains away from the team or fails to attend sessions with a therapist the Rockets have arranged for him, a person with knowledge of the situation said. White and Rockets general manager Daryl Morey have declined interview requests. White began to express his dissatisfaction a week ago, according to the person familiar with talks, initially complaining about a lack of opportunity to earn playing time. White met extensively with Rockets general manager Daryl Morey assistant coach J.B. Bickerstaff and assistant strength and conditioning coach Dave Macha last Wednesday, and again with Morey on Thursday. White has not played in any game this season and has been on the inactive list for the past four games. Morey told White in those meetings that other players had earned playing time before him. White, however, argued that he was not given enough opportunity to demonstrate that he could earn a place in the rotation, increasingly saying the Rockets were holding his anxiety disorder against him and that he was being treated as a commodity, a position he has repeated in Tweets following Tuesday’s reports about White missing practices. White attended Friday’s morning shootaround and game in Memphis, traveling in a recreational vehicle as part of his agreement with the team to manage the anxiety that comes with his fear of flying. White, however, did not attend practices on Sunday or Tuesday and skipped Monday’s game against the Heat. Morey had planned to discuss sending White to the Rockets NBA Development League affiliate along with fellow rookies Scott Machado and Donatas Motiejunas, but has not seen him to have that conversation.”

Rockets acting coach Kelvin Sampson said he did not know why White did not attend Tuesday’s practice and did not speak with him Monday, when Motiejunas and Machado were told of the plans to send them to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. But Rockets owner Leslie Alexander said there have been “internal repercussions, which I’m not going to talk about.” More foreboding, Alexander’s confidence in White’s long-term prospects seem shaken since he expressed enthusiasm for White’s potential during the summer league in Las Vegas. “That’s tenuous,” Alexander said. “It’s tough to talk about something like that. I think we’re going to handle it internally. If he doesn’t work out, well, it’s tough to lose a draft choice.”

In a statement Tuesday, White seemed to blame the Rockets for failing to live up to agreements to help him manage his battle with anxiety. [...] “In hindsight,” the statement said, “perhaps it was not a good idea to be open and honest about my anxiety disorder — due to the current situations at hand that involve the nature of actions from the Houston Rockets. As a rookie, I want to settle into a team and make progress; but since pre-season the Rockets have been inconsistent with their agreement to proactively create a healthy and successful relationship. At this point, the Rockets are aware of my position and the reason for my absence, any other response is inaccurate. This is important to me, it is a health issue. I must advocate for my rights, it is a player-commodity league — the failure to meet my requests for support will end with me being unhealthy and that is not a consequence that I am willing to accept to play any sport.”

White — who had more to say about this incident on his Twitter page — didn’t skip practices or games at Iowa State because of his condition, but he missed a week of training camp for the Rockets, and this latest absence will not help matters any.

The Houston Rockets, though understandably frustrated, say they will continue to support Royce White.

The Houston Rockets and rookie forward Royce White have reached an agreement, and the “innovative” plan will allow White to take part in the team’s training camp. The Rockets agreed to let Royce travel by bus to games, due to his fear of flying. Per the Houston Chronicle: “Royce White said he will join the Rockets for practice Monday in Houston, citing the team’s blessing to travel to a large part of the season’s schedule by bus as part of his plan to manage his mental illness. The Rockets, he said, were willing to put their agreement in writing and to even have it included in his contract, but because contracts are subject to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, it could be a long process to gain approval from the NBA and the NBA Players Association for a unique addendum to the standard league contract. ‘We’ll go forward in a good faith deal between me and Rockets, and I’m totally comfortable with that,’ said White, who has been absent from camp. ‘We can find a way to get it into writing at some point. We do have a letter between us. It’s an agreement, not in contract form, but those are technicalities. What the Rockets are doing is astronomically appreciated by me and should be by the mental health community.’ White has battled Generalized Anxiety Disorder in which concerns about an issue, such as his fear of flying, can often spread to a more general and increasing anxiety on unrelated matters. He has suffered from panic attacks and obsessive compulsive tendencies. Uncertainty can lead to dramatic increases in symptoms but in each case, he can treat the disorder by heading off anxiety. White said he will supply the bus he will use for much of the season’s travel, calling overnight trips of up to nine hours ‘no problem at all.’”

Royce White’s absence from the Houston Rockets’ training camp drew the ire of some in the organization (most notably, head coach Kevin McHale.) Due to his illness — Generalized Anxiety Disorder — White says he’s willing to re-join the team, if they allow him to travel by private bus. Reports ESPN: “White’s fear of flying, he said, magnifies his anxiety disorder. So he’s asked the Rockets to let him use a bus for some of the team’s extensive road trips. White said he’s willing to purchase the bus and assume liability. White, who missed the team’s media day on Monday and the start of training camp in McAllen, Texas, on Tuesday, said he hopes to reach an agreement with the team soon. He said he expects to join his teammates within ‘a week,’ if talks with the Rockets continue to progress. ‘What it’s going to look like is every game that’s drivable, I’m going to get a bus for myself,’ White said. ‘And I’m going to make that bus feel like home so that there’s a level of consistency in a job where inconsistency is very apparent because of the schedule. I’m going to try and level that out and make sure that my stress levels stay low and that my rest is regular and that my meals are regular and that as much as I can, draw consistency from a very inconsistent schedule. … People with mental illness, one of the most important things is that they have that consistency and routine. The girth of (my request) was, ‘Can I travel by bus to close enough games?’ . Earlier Wednesday, White released a statement that detailed his refusal to join the team until a plan to address his ‘long-term health’ was in place. [...] White said he’s unsure if he’ll start training camp sans a written agreement with the team.”

Royce White, who has a well-chronicled history of anxiety issues, is not currently at Houston Rockets training camp due to unknown personal matters. The 6-8 forward says the issues are indeed related to his anxiety, but are not directly anxiety problems that he’s experiencing at the moment. Details via MyFoxHouston: “The Rockets announced that rookie forward Royce White is not with the club in McAllen for training camp because of ‘personal matters.’ White also did not attend the club’s media day on Monday for the same reasons. He told FOX 26 Sports the personal matters are related to the fact that he suffers from anxiety issues. ‘We are trying to figure out a plan for me to be healthy and successful long-term,’ White said. ‘It’s not really anything that’s going on right now. It’s more of trying to take a pro-active approach and trying to put together a solid plan. It is definitely linked with my anxiety sure, but it’s not so much as far as my anxiety now. Basically what happened was my doctor, we discussed it, and it was decided the way the plan was now just wasn’t logistically healthy. So what can we do strategically to try and improve the chances of everybody being successful in this situation, my success and the Rockets success? If I fail then that’s not good for them either, because it’s an investment.’ White said he did not know how long it take before he rejoined the team.”

Here is a short film by Jonathan Hock, a talented director and longtime friend of SLAM. In this piece for Grantland, Hock and his crew spent 24 hours with Iowa State forward Royce White on the day of the NBA Draft. We’re taken behind the scenes into White’s world, which is as complex and intriguing as ever. White is an incredibly talented NBA prospect, yet, as the film depicts, grapples with his generalized anxiety disorder on a daily basis.

The Cyclones will take a chance with the talented ex-Minnesota recruit. From the Ames Tribune: “Royce White has made changes. He’s more cautious with who he hangs out with. He’s careful with the situations he puts himself in. He doesn’t want a repeat of the last year, when he twice ran into trouble with the law. [...] White believes Iowa State is the perfect spot for him to prove he’s changed. White, one of the top high school basketball players in the 2009 class, officially signed with the Cyclones Monday.”

Prized Minnesota freshman Royce White says he’s leaving college basketball. He was suspended indefinitely from the team while police were investigating the theft of a laptop. White says he’s innocent, but “can’t wait for the justice system to go in the right direction anymore.” White states that has no plans to transfer and that “[Minneapolis] is my city.” The 6-8 forward made the announcement this morning by releasing this YouTube video: